~hit me with~ into the wild ~your best shot!~

[{Reth;;~]

Well, the first route was quite easy to navigate. It began right beside the lab, and had an obvious path. That made it quite easier to find and follow. As soon as she had set foot on the route, she had released her Absol, who followed quietly behind her.
"I still need to think of a name for you... You have any preferences?" Fox asked her Absol. Since she didn't respond, she turned her head to see her shaking her head in a 'no' answer. "Alright, then. Well, let's see... There was a word from an Indian something-or-other that means 'Big White One'... what was that called?" Fox said, pounding her head lightly with the bottom part of her hand. The Absol watched her, half-amused, as she tried to remember a name. "Shahaka! That's what it was. What do you think of Shahaka?" Fox asked. The Absol cocked her head slightly, and then tested the word on her mouth.
+Sha...Haka... I like it,+

[/color] she said. Fox grinned; she had finally spoken! And, she liked the name, too.
"Well, Shahaka, it's good to meet you. I am Inali Uday, but most people call me Fox. So... I'll call you Sha for short," Fox said. The Absol nodded her approval, and gave something that sounded like a rumble of contentment.
+It's nice to meet you, Fox,+[/color] the Absol said, and both continued on at a slightly faster pace, both happy with each other.

+You know, it's different than what I thought it would be. Being with a trainer, that is,+[/color] the Absol said. Fox pondered on what to reply.
"Well, what did you think it would be like?" she finally said. Now it was the Absol's turn to think.
+Well, I had thought that you'd want to make me use my moves just to see how I used them, and then make me attack the air or something, and attack any living, breathing Pokemon no matter how strong or weak,+[/color] she finally said. Fox chuckled a bit, and the Absol gave a nervous laugh.
"Well, some trainers are like that. Lucky for you, I have no intention of doing that. I try to befriend Pokemon than get them to dislike me. Whether you're a criminal, millionaire, or homeless person you should always treat all Pokemon with care. A happy Pokemon is the best Pokemon there is," Fox said. The Absol's eyes glittered with admiration; now this trainer was something rare. She actually cared, or at least seemed to care, about Pokemon. That would be something that not a lot of the powerful trainers possessed. After that, they continued on in silence, the Absol rubbing her side against Fox's legs every now and then, enjoying the feel of a human for the first time in her life. Not just any feel; but the feel of a caring human.
[/size][/left]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

+No! I won't give in to you! Leave me alone!+

[/color] came the desperate cry of a young feminine-sounding voice.
+Hmph. Then suffer the consequences!+[/color] came a much more matured male-sounding voice. A scuffle and a few barks was heard, and then a mass of gray fur came speeding through the bushes, trying to outrun something. Shortly after, a much bigger version came chasing after the first one, but at a much slower pace.
+I'm not going to let you manipulate me!+[/color] came the call of the first one, watching over her shoulder at her pursuer. Both were actually quite small, though the male was more masculine and obviously more dominant here. They were both gray in color, and had red eyes with a yellow outer coloring. The female saw the other one halt in his tracks, and, confused, turned forward only to skid to a stop a few feet from Fox and Shahaka.
+Hah! Manipulate you? You think that's what I'm trying to do, hmm? I'm trying to get you to get ready for when you're mature! It's only practice,+[/color] the male said, moving steadily closer now, watching Fox and Shahaka with careful eyes, as well as the smaller one of its kind. The one closest to you began trembling a little, and turned toward your direction.
+Please! Don't let him do it again!+[/color] she begged to Fox and Sha.
+Pathetic! Asking humans for help, eh? Well, get a load of this, honey!+[/color] the other said, as a light blue, jagged-edged stream suddenly emmitted from the bigger one's mouth and shot towards the threesome.

~~~
Two Wild Poochyena Appeared! One Appears To Need Some Serious Help...
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

Fox and Sha were curious as to what all the ruckus was about, and Fox was about ready to investigate when the small ball of gray fur come shooting toward them. Sha crouched down, ready to attack on the order, and Fox stood her ground, knowing that by the way the one coming toward them the fastest was looking she wouldn't see them. As soon as she saw them though, Fox let up, and motioned for Sha to do the same. Fox could still tell she was still a bit tense; she was, too, at the look of the much bigger version of the Pokemon in front of them. What was with these two Poochyena?

By the sound of it, the male was trying to do something to the female certainly didn't want to do. And... to get her ready for when she was mature? That sounded like something Fox had heard about much too often, and she didn't like it one bit.
"Don't worry, I won't let him lay a paw on you," Fox said. When the attack shot toward them, she grabbed the small Poochyena and rolled out of the way, releasing her as soon as she was done. She watched the attack hit a tree, and completely freeze everything around within a ten-foot radius.
"Alright, Sha. Let's show him who's boss! Use Faint Attack!" Fox said. Sha nodded, and seemed to fade away slightly, drawing the male Poochyena closer and she got closer to him, then struck and reappeared. Not waiting to hear her trainer's orders, she quickly used a Scratch on the Poochyena as well.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The female Poochyena was taken by surprise as she was grabbed and rolled out of harms way. Perhaps she would have an edge in this battle... Her teamed up with that Absol; surely they could defeat that other Poochyena that had been stalking her for the past week, right? He had been able to get her the first time, but each time he'd tried to do it again since she'd narrowly escaped and found a decent hiding space for at least half a day before he'd find her again. She was about to use her own attack when the human ordered her Absol to attack. She watched in shock as her stalker was hit, and then... hit again, without any orders!

The male growled as his attack missed the first time, and was about to let loose again when he felt the odd power as the Faint Attack worked. He knew it was unavoidable, but it wouldn't have much effect, right? As he was thinking, he was suddenly hit; much harder than he had expected, and sent skidding. Before he could get up, he was attacked again by the Scratch, and rolled a few times. Grunting, he raised himself, shaking a bit from the effort. Alright, so, that's how they wanted to play, eh? So be it!
+You will regret ever helping the weakling!+

[/color] he said, and he howled, and a small glow came around him as his attack raised while he howled. When he was done, he let loose the same attack as before; Ice Fang.

Just before the Ice Fang hit the Absol, it was met with a yellow-looking attack that had the same properties. The Ice Fang was shattered, and completely missed its target as it dissintegrated. The Poochyena growled to look at the female; how dare she intervene! Well, it would be two against one. As soon as he took out her, then it would be much easier. Before he could react again, the same attack came at him; Thunder Fang. It zapped him good and hard, and he cried out in pain as he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. OK, this was not so good now.
+This is your last chance!+[/color] the female Poochyena cried.
+Hah! I'll never be defeated,+[/color] the male Poochyena said, howling yet again, but taking much longer.
+Get him while he's still howling!+[/color] the female Poochyena urged the human and her Absol. Better take the chance while it's there.
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

"Alright, good job, Sha! Keep on your toes and be ready to dodge any other attacks that may come your way!" Fox called from the sidelines, glancing down at the female Poochyena. She seemed unhurt, and was glad; even if it had been a Weedle vs. Weedle she would've helped. Then she realized; if she made friends with this particular Poochyena, whould she be able to capture it? After all, a female Mightyena was a Pokemon she'd been wanting... how ironic was that?

+Weakling? Look who's talking. You are only trying to get her for your own pleasure. It never works out that way,+

[/color] Sha growled. Why did males have to be so idiotic? Sha was about ready to jump aside from the Ice Fang when it utterly shattered in front of her. Automatically, she jumped back, and whipped her head around to see the female Poochyena having been the one that had attacked. Both knew a Fang move? Extraordinary. Well, there was no sense in trying to keep the male; he was much too wild, and besides; Fox had a thing for the females from what Sha could tell so far. Sha watched in shock- no pun intended- as the male was zapped by the female Poochyena's Thunder Fang.

"Right. Sha, use Faint Attack again and follow up with Scratch!" Fox said. Sha nodded and immediately began the Faint Attack. As the male was still howling, she knew it would be successive. And, followed up with a Scratch; that should do some serious damage after a weaker dark-type attack. Especially since he was so weakened already; one could only hope.
[/size][/left]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The Female Poochyena was very relieved when the attacks successfully hit. That would teach him to try and... do what he did again! She growled a soft growl and waited for him to get back up after he had been attacked; but he didn't. She knew he was defeated; likely his first-ever battle he had lost.

When he had not even finished howling and the attack came, he knew it was over. He completely gave up and let the attack hit; the unfamiliar, yet familiar sucking sensation coming to him as he was struck with Faint Attack. And, as if that weren't enough, the claws of the Absol struck him as well. He was out cold before he stopped rolling, his last thought being Never again will I try to force a female to do something unwillingly...

The female Poochyena ran to the Absol and began something that looked like a hug... or a humping of her leg. Whichever you prefer. Either way, she thanked the Absol for quite some time before scampering over to Fox and thanking her in the same way.
+Thank you so much! I don't know if I would've been able to live with myself if he had been successful in his attempt to get me again,+

[/color] she said. She then sat down on her haunches, thinking. +Can I join up with you? I'd love to get stronger and be able to protect myself easier. I won't be a bother, I promise!+[/color] she pleaded, her eyes bright with excitement and her tail wagging a million times a second.
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

Sha was glad when the second attack hit; ah, the pleasure of defeating an enemy! She sat down and watched with pleasure-filled eyes at the Poochyena that was defeated, out cold. When the female Poochyena began 'hugging' her, she almost backed away uncertainly, but allowed it. Well, good to get some credit, at least..

"Great job, Sha!" Fox said excitedly, watching with amusement as the female Poochyena began her 'affection' with her. Then, when she went on to her, she just couldn't take her eyes off of her. She was surprised by the question; it was exactly what she had been hoping for!
"Sure! I'd love to have you with me," Fox said excitedly. She wondered if she was daydreaming... but, it seemed too real to be a daydream. She took a Pokeball from her pack and enlarged it. "Welcome to the team," she said happily as she lightly tossed the Pokeball at the Poochyena.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The Poochyena allowed herself to be easily sucked into the Pokeball, disappearing in a mass of red light. The Pokeball shook a few times, then gave a successful ping.
Congratulations! You caught Wild Poochyena! Sha gained 2 levels!

Species: Poochyena
Name:
Gender: Female
Level: 5
Attacks: Tackle, Howl, Thunder Fang
Personality:
[b]Species:[/b] Poochyena
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b] Female
[b]Level:[/b] 5
[b]Attacks:[/b] Tackle, Thunder Fang
[b]Personality:[/b]

((And, since this was kind of short, do you want to go ahead and move on, or continue on this route for another battle?))

[{Reth;;~]

((If you don't mind, I'd like to continue on here for a bit ))

Fox retrieved the Pokeball, pumping the air with her fist.
"Yes! I captured my first Pokemon! This isn't anything different than back home," she said, releasing the Poochyena.
+Mmm. Congrats,+

[/color] Sha said, as she shook herself, trying to relieve the bit of dirt that had collected there during the battle.
"Of course, I couldn't have done it without your help. You're the biggest reason we have her now," Fox said. Sha didn't seem to approve, though, and Fox noticed. The Poochyena gazed at the Absol with curious eyes.
+What did I do to burst your bubble?+[/color] she asked. When Sha was silent, she continued. +If you have a problem with me, you might as well just say it,+[/color] she said. Sha sighed, but didn't say a word. The Poochyena turned to Fox. +Is she always like this, or is it just me?+[/color] she asked.
"Oh, don't worry. Sha doesn't like to talk much, and takes a while to warm up to others," Fox said. Sha gave her a temporary glare before she turned and began to walk down the path.
+Honestly, I don't think she likes me... Ah, well, I'll get her to! I'm in her debt, though. And yours, still,+[/color] the Poochyena said.
"You aren't in our debts, trust me. I just wanted to help out because I don't like it when males try to take advantage of the not-so-fortunate females," Fox said. Sha mumbled something inaudible in front of them, but Fox didn't ask what she had said. Probably something she didn't want to hear.

"So, we need a name for you, still," Fox said, breaking the awkward silence. The Poochyena brightened up at this and began trotting backwards in front of Fox.
+Oh! A name? A real, real name?+[/color] she asked excitedly.
"Yes, a real name. Not just 'Poochyena' anymore. No, you will have a nice name. Something that suits you..." Fox said, as she began to think. They walked on in silence, the Poochyena panting slightly as she still trotted backwards, somehow not tripping over anything though she never looked where she was going.
"Ah! How about Guitain?" Fox suddenly burst out.
+Guitain? Does that have a meaning? Even if it doesn't... I like the sound of it,+[/color] the Poochyena said eagerly.
"If I remember from my studies correctly... it means Heart of Young Wolf," she said. "And you're as close to a 'Wolf' as anything in my opinion. And, you're young, too. Though, I'll likely end up calling you Gee for short," Fox said.
+I like it!+[/color] the newly-named Guitain said, running in circles around the still-walking Fox. She chuckled at the hyper-active Poochyena, and noticed the Sha was watching over her shoulder with disapproving eyes. What was her problem with this Poochyena, anyway? She tried to ignore the hostility Sha emitted toward Gee and picked Gee up to carry her so she wouldn't wear herself out.
"You better calm down, Gee. If we get into a battle and you're all worn out, how will you get any stronger? You'd be too tired to do anything," Fox said.
+Oh. You have a point... but, it's just so exciting, finally traveling with a trainer, getting a name, and knowing I'll become stronger!+[/color] she said enthusiastically, licking Fox's face.
"Yeah, alright, but let's straighten this up... No licking my face, alright? I have issues with that," Fox said as a pre-warning.
+Right. No face-licking; got it!+[/color] Gee pledged as she hopped out of Fox's arms and began trotting alongside her.
Boy, she's going to be a handful... or armload... Fox thought to herself. But, it was worth it, she knew.
[/size][/left]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

Snap. Crunch, crunch, crunch...

The sound of twigs breaking and apparently being crunched, or eaten, was coming from your right; a little off the path. Obviously, whatever was making the racket didn't notice what had been going on.

Munch, munch... Crunch...

Do you wish to investigate, or leave it be? You never know what it could be. Well, perhaps a hint will come along as to what it exactly is...
+That baheamoth has such an appetite,+

[/color] chirped a Starly passing overhead to nobody in particular. +You'd think he'd grow out of it, but noooo... he eats anything like it's the last thing on earth,+[/color] it grumbled as it glided off toward a tree. Baheamoth? Well, that sounds interesting. What would eat that much and have such a big appetite? Before anything could happen, all was silent. Then, a small crashing emitted, followed by something like a sigh.

A few moments later, a small green Pokemon came walking out of the bushes, fat head held high as it drug a very large branch in its mouth. It paused as it saw Sha, Gee, and Fox, and dropped the large branch behind it and stood in front of it protectively.
+This twig be mine! Keep yer filthy hands and paws away from it!+[/color] it growled.


Wild Turtwig Appeared!
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

Sha cringed at the noise that was being made. She crouched down and covered her head with her paws.
+Ugh! That's a horrible noise!+

[/color] she exclaimed. Gee cocked her head at the noise and swiveled her ears, trying to pinpoint the location.
+I don't find anything wrong with that noise. It just sounds like something's... eating,+[/color] Gee said. Sha growled for a bit, and was glad when it stopped.
"Gee, Sha, any idea what that was?" Fox asked, looking around. She jumped slightly at the sudden soft crash, and half-expected a tree to come toppling down.
+That sounded like a small tree or large branch falling down... earlier, I would think it would have been something eating something very crunchy. I have absolutely no idea,+[/color] Gee said, trying to sniff out what it was.

When the Turtwig came out of the bushes, the only thing Sha did was glare at it, but remained where she was with her paws over her head and her rear end sticking up. Gee started something that resembled laughing when the Turtwig declared that the branch was its own and they couldn't have it.
+Don't you worry yourself there, fella. We don'g eat sticks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack,+[/color] Gee said. Sha decided it was OK to left her paws from her ears.
+I will get you for that horrible crunching noise you were making, you little vermin!+[/color] she exclaimed as she began to charge at the Turtwig.
"Sha, no! Don't!" Fox exclaimed, but Sha had her mind made up.
+I'm not helping her out of this one,+[/color] Gee said, stepping back toward Fox. Sighing, Fox plopped herself down, waiting to see what would happen. How wonderful that Sha disliked this Turtwig... Deeeelightful.
[/size][/left]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The Turtwig didn't let his guard down even when Gee said they didn't eat twigs.
+Bah! You're just saying that so you can steal my branch! But, I'm smarter than that! You will never get it from me!+

[/color] the Turtwig exclaimed as he reared back and did his best impersonation of a roar. He then quickly proceeded to make himself as small as possible, and temporarily glowed a bit as he used Withdraw to raise his defense. When he saw Sha charging at him, he charged at her as well.
+My branch, my branch, my branch!+[/color] he exclaimed, saying it over and over at an amazing speed. Wow- thsi Turtwig was one really determined dude.
+Let's see how yeh like this, yeh filthy mutt!+[/color] he said as he rammed into Sha with a Tackle.

((Love your new sig. That looks awesome ))
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

Gee watched with interest as the battle unfolded before her eyes.
+You think the Turtwig'll win?+

[/color] Gee asked. Fox shrugged her shoulders.
"Sha's determined to beat that 'vermin'. And that 'vermin' is determined to protect his branch. I'd say it's pretty even. Sha's acting on her own accord; I'm not going to intervene in any way. She wanted the fight, so she gets it, period. If she loses, well, that's her own fault," Fox said with a sigh.
+Hey, twig-eater! If you win we'll let you have your branch and promise to get you as many branches as you want,+[/color] Gee called from the sidelines, hoping to either one; distract him momentarily so that Sha could get an attack in, or two; make the Turtwig more determined so that Sha would lose the fight. It wasn't likely, but she could hope.
"Oh, great thinking, Gee. Now we'll have to be his servants for eternity if he wins," Fox said.
+Just brainstorming. Besides, even if he does win- which I'm sure he will- he will considerably weakened, which means you can capture him if you want!+[/color] Gee said. Fox thought about that for a while.
"I don't know, Gee. Turtwig isn't really my cup of tea, but... I see your point," Fox said, suppressing a giggle as the Turtwig took Sha by surprise and rammed into her.

+What the--?+[/color] Sha managed to say before getting pummeled by the Turtwig. Dang. That small vermin packed quite a punch... or Tackle in this case. She quickly regained her stance and glared at the Turtwig.
+OK, now you asked for it!+[/color] she said, as she glared at the Turtwig, eventually using a Leer before running at a slower pace than she usually did, ready for a Scratch attack.
Why can't I run any faster? Sha wondered to herself, cringing each time she set a paw on the ground while running at the Turtwig.
You're weakened, Sha. That's why. Duh! came the voice of her conscience. Oh, joy... so it wasn't just her imagination. That Turtwig was quite strong...

((Why, thank you The colors are a bit off, though... eh, oh well. It still looks pretty cool, since it's Absol and all.))
[/size][/left]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The Turtwig gave a satisfied grunt as he made contact with the much-larger Absol.
+You have provokethed me! Now, thou shalt pay!+

[/color] he exclaimed, as he ran at her again without hesitation. For being small, but sort of... big, he sure was fast. At the sound of if he won he could have the branch and they would give him as much as he wanted, that made him want to win even more.
+Branches be mine! You shall bow down to the branch master!+[/color] he exclaimed. This Turtwig certainly had a way of talking; almost as if he had different accents and could speak different languages or something. He sounded almost as if he had been from a Shakespeare play at one point already, as well as well-informed, and then as if he had been from the Bible or something. What an odd trait.

The Turtwig felt his defense go back down to what it had been earlier; ah, well, he could always use Withdraw to raise it again. That was no big deal. The Turtwig literally ran into the Scratch attack, cringing as he purposely took it and made it worse for himself, but took the advantage of being close to catch Sha off-balance and use Tackle. Ah, the enjoyment of battling! Well, this should certainly end... interesting.
[/size][/center]

[{Reth;;~]

Sha wondered what was up with this Turtwig; he seemed a bit... strange. His vocabulary was all over the charts, and to add to that, he was quite strong. Already, she felt herself considerably weakened. OK, then. Time to get serious...
+I will pay, but I'll take you down with me. I bow to no one,+

[/color] she growled, using a Faint Attack after she recovered from the latest Tackle.

+Ah, the tide of battle might be changing,+[/color] Gee said excitedly, uncontrollably prancing around with excitement. Already, she was much different than when they had first met. She wasn't the scared Poochyena anymore. Gee was the more-intelligent, enthusiastic, hyper-active, get-on-your-nerves-but-undeniably-lovable Poochyena.
"We'll see, Gee, we'll see. If you're going to prance around, at least try not to do it in my view, please?" Fox said.
+Oh, right. Sorry!+[/color] Gee said, scuttling to the left as she tried to sit down, but couldn't help but twitch every limb of her body.
[/size][/left]